An Unsung Role for Community Colleges

CSUN Professor Robert Oliphant writes (Valley Commentary, Jan. 29): “. . . there is reason to think brighter students prefer a community college for the first two years of higher education: It’s a lot less expensive.”

On Feb. 5, The Times published a supplement entitled “Campus and Careers Guide.” The 12-page supplement included articles, cost comparisons and paid advertising space regarding private colleges and universities, the California State University system and the University of California system. There was no mention of community college educational and career opportunities, nor were community colleges, to my knowledge, even asked to buy advertising space.

The 107 community colleges in this state are an integral part of the California Master Plan for Higher Education. Each community college offers a comprehensive lower division transfer program in numerous academic fields as well as the associate degree and occupational certificate programs.

The community at large and potential students have the right to know that community colleges offer a less expensive and, in many cases, more viable opportunity for higher education.

MARY E. LEE

Woodland Hills

Lee is president of Pierce College.